Esteban Ocon’s immediate Formula 1 future has been thrown into uncertainty after Haas unexpectedly replaced the French driver with Ryo Hirakawa for the remainder of the 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix weekend. Team principal Ayao Komatsu has confirmed that the decision was not related to illness, but has refused to explain the reasons behind the change or guarantee Esteban Ocon’s return at the next race in Brazil.
The surprise announcement means Ryo Hirakawa will take part in final practice, qualifying and Sunday’s Grand Prix at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. Speaking to Sky Sports F1 during Saturday’s third free practice session, Ayao Komatsu provided few details about the situation, leaving questions surrounding both the unexpected substitution and Esteban Ocon’s participation in the remaining races.
Ayao Komatsu rules out illness after Esteban Ocon’s Haas replacement
Haas confirmed that Ryo Hirakawa would take over Esteban Ocon’s VF-26 for the remainder of the Mexican Grand Prix weekend, despite the French driver having participated in Friday’s running. The decision represented a significant change to the team’s original plans, with the Japanese reserve driver initially scheduled to appear in the opening free practice session.
When asked why Haas had decided to replace Esteban Ocon, Ayao Komatsu declined to provide a detailed explanation. However, he made clear that the Frenchman’s absence was not the result of illness.
“I can’t tell you much, but I can tell you that he’s not ill,” the Haas team principal explained.
His comments ruled out one possible explanation without identifying the circumstances that led to the decision. Haas has not publicly disclosed the reason for the substitution, leaving the situation unresolved as the Mexico City Grand Prix weekend continues.
Will Esteban Ocon return for the São Paulo Grand Prix?
The uncertainty extends beyond the Mexican Grand Prix, with questions now surrounding Esteban Ocon’s participation in the next round of the championship at Interlagos. Ayao Komatsu was asked whether the French driver would return to the Haas cockpit for the São Paulo Grand Prix, but again avoided making any commitment.
“The only thing I can say is that we’re focused on what’s in front of us and getting Ryo into the best possible shape for qualifying,” he replied.
The response leaves Esteban Ocon’s immediate future unclear. Although Haas has confirmed Ryo Hirakawa’s participation for the remainder of the Mexican weekend, Ayao Komatsu has not indicated whether the arrangement will extend to subsequent races.
The uncertainty comes as Haas prepares for a change to its longer-term driver line-up, with Esteban Ocon already set to leave the team at the end of 2026. Ferrari junior Rafael Câmara’s move to Haas for 2027 has already established a different direction for the team’s next campaign, although no connection has been confirmed between that decision and the Frenchman’s absence in Mexico.
Ryo Hirakawa prepares for F1 race debut at Mexico City Grand Prix
Meanwhile, Ryo Hirakawa is preparing to complete the Mexican Grand Prix weekend after already driving the Haas VF-26 during Friday’s opening free practice session. The Japanese driver finished 15th in FP1, gaining experience of the circuit and the car before the team’s unexpected decision to retain him for the remaining sessions.
He will now participate in the final free practice session, qualifying and Sunday’s race, representing an important opportunity to demonstrate his abilities in Formula 1. The Mexican Grand Prix will also mark his first appearance as a race driver in the championship.
Ryo Hirakawa’s previous practice experience gives him some familiarity with the VF-26, but the circumstances of his promotion mean he faces an important challenge as he prepares for qualifying. Haas will be focused on helping him adapt as quickly as possible while continuing its preparations for the race.
For Esteban Ocon, however, the situation remains unresolved. Ayao Komatsu has ruled out illness but has not explained why the Frenchman was replaced, nor whether he will return when Formula 1 travels to Brazil.
With Haas concentrating on Ryo Hirakawa’s participation in Mexico, further clarification will be needed before the team’s plans for the São Paulo Grand Prix become clear.
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